Dr Laura Skippen, Senior Manager, Global Animal Health

Laura is a veterinarian and one of the senior managers coordinating the Global Animal Health team across our country programmes. She is responsible for the implementation of the Animal Health Mentoring Framework and expanding work in veterinary education, including international veterinary training institutions and global institutions, such as the OIE. She is the technical lead for our work as part of the International Coalition of Working Equids.

Expertise
Dr. Laura Skippen in the field with a donkey

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Publications

  • Skippen, Compston, Saville et al. (2018). Improving animal healthcare decision-making in Ethiopian paraprofessionals using a smartphone application.
  • Skippen, Compston & Hirson. (2015). Strengthening animal health service provider value chains to improve the healthcare available to working equids in low income countries.
  • Skippen, Compston, Saville & Hirson. (2015). Creating owner demand for animal health service provision.
  • View more publications.

Hobbies

Mainly ferrying my children around to their various hobbies and acting as a groom for their miniature Shetland! However, riding, skiing, Crossfit and running when I’m allowed a break from chauffeur duties.

Most memorable work moment

I was able to ensure that animal welfare and working livestock were included in guidelines that will be used to train veterinary paraprofessionals in 182 countries around the world.

Being part of a group at the OIE (World Animal Health Organisation) developing guidelines for veterinary paraprofessional curriculum design. I was able to ensure that animal welfare and working livestock were included in guidelines that will be used to train veterinary paraprofessionals in 182 countries around the world.

Best part of your job

Working with the teams in the field. Their dedication and hard work are second to none. Seeing the difference that this makes to animals and communities makes all the theoretical work that goes on in the office and all the training we do worth it.

How did you get your job?

I was working in equine practice in the UK but I’d always enjoyed travelling. As a student, I had volunteered with another NGO working in Mozambique with other livestock and had become interested in international development. I’d fundraised for Brooke when I was at school and remained a supporter, so when I saw the job advertised it seemed the perfect way to combine all my interests.